Is landlord responsible for Dubai apartment mold due to leak?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord's responsibility depends on the cause. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for fixing structural defects, including leaks from the building envelope, pipes, or AC drainage systems that cause mold. If the leak originates from outside your apartment, it is almost certainly their obligation.

However, they may argue that tenant lifestyle (like not ventilating) caused condensation. In a Jumeirah apartment with year-round AC use, this is a weak argument. ACs dehumidify, so persistent mold in a closet corner strongly suggests an underlying moisture intrusion from a leaky pipe, faulty seal, or rising damp—all structural issues.

Document everything: take date-stamped photos showing the mold's spread and note your toddler's cough timeline. Formally request in writing (email is best) that the landlord investigate and repair the leak's source, as mandated by law. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as this removes the evidence.

For health concerns and to definitively identify the moisture source, a professional inspection is advised. They use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find hidden leaks, providing a report that can be used to formally compel the landlord to act. In serious cases with health impacts, a lab test can identify the mold species, which strengthens your case for urgent remediation.